Nigeria Customs Launches Indigenous Tech “B’Odogwu” At Port Harcourt II Area Command

Nigeria Customs Launches Indigenous Tech “B’Odogwu” At Port Harcourt II Area Command
………..hails It as a game-changer for trade , revenue

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a landmark move aimed at transforming customs operations in Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), an indigenous technology platform known as B’Odogwu, at the Port Harcourt II Area Command in Onne.

The innovation marks a significant step toward full automation of customs processes, with the aim of boosting efficiency, strengthening compliance, and enhancing revenue collection.

At the official launch of the system, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller of the Port Harcourt II Command, described the deployment as “a giant stride” under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

“It is imperative for the Command to key into the Service’s efforts to fully automate its services,” Babandede said. “Today we are witnesses to the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) released on the B’Odogwu platform with reference number C1202505PN. This technology facilitates efficient and timely clearance of goods, thereby reducing delays and costs for businesses.”

The launch event was attended by customs officers and key stakeholders, who observed the historic clearance process live on the new platform.

One of the clearing agents, Mr. Iroegbu Samuel, shared a positive firsthand experience, noting that the B’Odogwu system offered notable improvements over the existing Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II).

“From my experience, the capturing to the release process was very short and fast,” he said. “People should not entertain any fear or doubt. It’s not far different from NICIS, but it is more flexible.”

The Customs Area Controller encouraged stakeholders and the public to embrace the new technology and support the Service’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.

The introduction of B’Odogwu is part of a broader modernization agenda by the Nigeria Customs Service, which seeks to harness homegrown innovations to drive trade facilitation, combat inefficiencies, and position the country for greater economic competitiveness.